After taking a break in 2014, the Vans Warped Tour is back in the UK this week and is set to take over London’s Alexandra Palace this Sunday.
Once again the line-up is packed with some of the best bands that rock, metal, punk, hardcore and more has to offer. From well-established names to dozens of bands on the rise, Vans Warped Tour is set to be a celebration of another great year in alternative music.
With so much to choose from, Already Heard has somehow picked 10 bands you should definitely see this Sunday.
Roam
Eastbourne pop punkers Roam certainly know how to put on a show. If you thought the up-tempo, high octane delivery of EPs ‘Head Down’ and ‘Viewpoint’ were infectious and catchy enough, in a live setting this is amplified even more, guaranteeing a party atmosphere every time they play.
The band have been working on a new album in recent months, which hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to hear, and if we’re lucky, they might just sneak a new song into the setlist for Warped Tour.
The high-energy performance of Roam is definitely worth checking out, but if you’re toward the front of the stage, you may want to watch your head because the band always attract the crowd surfers, sometimes even supplying their audience with inflatable surf boards to encourage them! (MJ)
Reel Big Fish
Whilst the majority of this year’s line-up is dominated by relatively new, emerging names, Reel Big Fish brings Warped Tour back to its root through their fun brand of ska punk. They may stick out like a sore thumb amongst the pop punk and metalcore bands, but we know even the biggest metalheads in attendance will easily be won over by classics such as ‘Sell Out’, ‘Where Have You Been’, and ‘Beer’.
If you’ve never seen Reel Big Fish before, then expect to walk away with the biggest smile as this Californian bunch thrive off having a harmless, fun time. Trust us. You’ll helplessly singing along to their unavoidable cover of ‘Take On Me’ like there’s no tomororw. (SR)
Rob Lynch
Mr. Lynch has been busy writing and recording the follow-up to last year’s exceptional ‘All These Nights in Bars Will Somehow Save My Soul’ debut. However he’s taking a break for his appearance at Warped UK. Joined by his full band, expect one of the nicest guys in rock (second to Dave Grohl) to deliver an abundance of sing-alongs numbers that shine in front of any crowd; big or small. However allow Lynch and company to pull out the occasional poignant, sentimental moment that is sure to pull on your heartstrings.
All in all a combination of boisterous acoustic singalongs and misty-eyed ballads to be one of the stand-out sets of the day. (SR)
Moose Blood
The rise and rise of Moose Blood continues at Vans Warped Tour UK. It’s been a busy 12 months for the Canterbury group. Their popularity continues to grow and last years ‘I’ll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time’ continues to be discovered and praised from fans alike. It is no doubt they produce some of the most energetic emo rock songs around.
After a memorable display at Leeds Festival, the quartet have been taking a short break to refresh their batteries before taking on Warped UK. Whilst album number 2 maybe in the early planning stages, Moose Blood’s appearance is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the last year. (SR)
The One Hundred
The combination of metal riffs, electronics and rapping isn’t too common in today’s alternative scene, but The One Hundred remind us that mixing these styles can yield some fantastic results.
Frontman Jacob Field has a commanding stage presence and when you have the vocal dexterity to transition from guttural screams to precisely delivered rap parts, you have every right to carry such confidence. With the backing of a band whose beats and breakdowns defy you to stand still, The One Hundred are an infectious live act that will have you nodding along, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the band.
The band recently confirmed via Facebook that they’ve been in the studio and have “lot’s of exciting things in the pipeline” including a new album early next year. If it’s anywhere near as good as last year’s debut EP ‘Subculture’ then we’re in for a treat. (MJ)
Asking Alexandria
Warped Tour UK 2015 is Asking Alexandria’s first UK chance to prove themselves since the arrival of vocalist Denis Stoff. All eyes are on the new front man as veteran fans have expectations through the roof for Danny Worsnop’s successor, but for optimistic new fans, the only way is up. Their as yet unnamed fourth studio venture is sure to be teased throughout this headline slot, and if lead single ‘I Won’t Give In’ is anything to go by, fans old and new are due for a brand new Asking Alexandria instrumentally, yet as determined and punchy as ever. (AC)
Black Veil Brides
A credit to their status as pioneers of the glam metal revival, Black Veil Brides’ live performance is consistently meticulous in its instrumental arrangement, making their stage show categorically unmissable, especially with a headlining slot. A traditional US Warped Tour fixture, BVB’s appearance will no doubt exhibit a masterful selection of highlights from their electric back catalogue including last year’s storming self-titled record. Jake Pitts’ flawless fretwork is a thing of beauty on record, yet considerably more atmospheric and timeless on stage, particularly when coupled with frontman Andy Biersack’s iconic sultry tones bursting with conviction and energy. (AC)
Memphis May Fire
Any Warped line-up wouldn’t be complete without metalcore’s chameleonic flagship Memphis May Fire. It feels like forever since last year’s ‘Unconditional’ hit shelves, but it’s safe to say fans have memorised the lyrics back to front, so there’s no doubt hanging in audience participation. Since July’s complete remixing of their 2014 effort, the atmosphere holds its breath for MMF to showcase a new release, although iconic hits ‘No Ordinary Love’ and ‘The Sinner’ won’t go amiss as frontman Matty Mullins belts his blind fury as powerfully as on track. (AC)
Creeper
The word on everyone’s lips in recent months, Southampton’s new grave pallbearers Creeper fit into the Warped line-up like a vampire at a rave, but as if trendsetting ever mattered to them. In the wake of recent EP ‘The Callous Heart’, expectations are running high and Creeper are certain to leave a lasting impression on the crowds at Warped, perhaps even more so than most. Leading their own cult of personality in a way the scene hasn’t seen for a number of years, the southern boys could show Warped a thing or two once frontman Will Gould opens his chops. Don’t miss them, because pretty soon it’ll be impossible to miss them. (AC)
Fearless Vampire Killers
In anticipation of ‘Bruises’ released at the end of October, Ally Pally becomes the fortress of the fictional city of Grandomina for Fearless Vampire Killers. An all-round act of symphonic rock and captivating onstage presence, the Beccles quintet were made for a Warped Tour lineup. Last year’s ‘Unbreakable Hearts’ brought an incendiary new chapter for FVK, and rightly so. To that end, it’s safe to presume Warped won’t know what’s hit in when there’s ‘Neon in the Dance Halls’ and, with any luck, an outing of ‘All Hallows Evil’ just in time for Halloween. (AC)
Vans Warped Tour UK 2015 Presented by Monster Energy takes place at Alexandra Palace in London on October 18th.
Vans Warped Tour UK links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sean Reid (SR), Mark Johnson (MJ) and Ali Cooper (AC).
